From Twemlow’s, Veneering dashes at Podsnap’s place of business. Finds Podsnap reading the paper, standing, and inclined to be oratorical over the astonishing discovery he has made, that Italy is not England. Respectfully entreats Podsnap’s pardon for stopping the flow of his words of wisdom, and informs him what is in the wind. Tells Podsnap that their political opinions are identical. Gives Podsnap to understand that he, Veneering, formed his political opinions while sitting at the feet of him, Podsnap. Seeks earnestly to know whether Podsnap “will rally round him?”

Says Podsnap, something sternly, “Now, first of all, Veneering, do you ask my advice?”

Veneering falters that as so old and so dear a friend⁠—

“Yes, yes, that’s all very well,” says Podsnap; “but have you made up your mind to take this borough of Pocket-Breaches on its own terms, or do you ask my opinion whether you shall take it or leave it alone?”

Veneering repeats that his heart’s desire and his soul’s thirst are, that Podsnap shall rally round him.